gtoppcop
Member
All,
I just received a like new 80s-vintage 639 (8-shot) magazine from my good friend, who also happens to be my local SoCal gunsmith (B.BURRIS handle on this forum) to use in my newly-acquired 1973-vintage Model 39-2.
When I got it home, I tore it down to detail clean it (must be a Marine thing...). When I tore it apart, I asked myself if the guts from a new 3906 (9-round) magazine would fit, thereby making the hitherto 8-shot, flush-fit magazines a flush-fitting 9-round magazine.
Several moments later, I was awarded with a workable 9-shot magazine that fits flush with the bottom of the gun (albeit the polymer floor plate extends .010" past the mag well opening.
A function test with dummy rounds and the obligatory last shot slide lockback worked. I tested this onto the original 1970s-vintage blued 39-2 magazines. All of them worked perfectly. An added bonus is that the front of the new-style baseplate affords the gunner with a way to strip the magazine in the unlikely event of a double-feed.
Tomorrow, I'll make the call to S&W to get the parts picured. Hopefully the Gods of Springfield will afford me with the parts needed to retrofit the older mags.
If this comes to pass, I will have 2X 3906, 3X 39-2 mags @ 9-rounds each. This will of course bring the combat load up to 10-rounds (9+1). With the Federal 9BPLE 115gr +P+ (for nostalgia's sake), I have a decent combat pistol (made better, I should say).
In another post, I said that I would change out the grip screws with a set of S&W 952 screws. They came in today, but alas were too wide.
The recently-installed 439 backstrap (S&W NOS from MidwayUSA) pushes the hand higher into (and onto) the grip tang, affording a lower bore axis making for quick follow-up shots.
You'll also notice that I fitted a forged 3rd Gen trigger for better reach. I also broke down and ordered the $13 Stainless recoil sprng guide from MidwayUSA to replace the original Aluminium unit (in which the spring loaded crown spins freely).
I have a set of ANIB walnut grip panels coming in from ebay to replace the scratched original units. That, in conjunction with my SoCal gunsmith cutting a loaded chamber witness port in the barrel hood and my future front Tritium white outline vial (to be installed by ToolTech (in Michigan) will effectively 'modernize' a classic.
I liken this to the modernization of the Iowa Class batteships back in the 80s. Just enough of modernity without sacrificing the classic lines and being gaudy.
Hope this helps the 39-2 freaks out there...
I just received a like new 80s-vintage 639 (8-shot) magazine from my good friend, who also happens to be my local SoCal gunsmith (B.BURRIS handle on this forum) to use in my newly-acquired 1973-vintage Model 39-2.
When I got it home, I tore it down to detail clean it (must be a Marine thing...). When I tore it apart, I asked myself if the guts from a new 3906 (9-round) magazine would fit, thereby making the hitherto 8-shot, flush-fit magazines a flush-fitting 9-round magazine.
Several moments later, I was awarded with a workable 9-shot magazine that fits flush with the bottom of the gun (albeit the polymer floor plate extends .010" past the mag well opening.
A function test with dummy rounds and the obligatory last shot slide lockback worked. I tested this onto the original 1970s-vintage blued 39-2 magazines. All of them worked perfectly. An added bonus is that the front of the new-style baseplate affords the gunner with a way to strip the magazine in the unlikely event of a double-feed.
Tomorrow, I'll make the call to S&W to get the parts picured. Hopefully the Gods of Springfield will afford me with the parts needed to retrofit the older mags.
If this comes to pass, I will have 2X 3906, 3X 39-2 mags @ 9-rounds each. This will of course bring the combat load up to 10-rounds (9+1). With the Federal 9BPLE 115gr +P+ (for nostalgia's sake), I have a decent combat pistol (made better, I should say).
In another post, I said that I would change out the grip screws with a set of S&W 952 screws. They came in today, but alas were too wide.
The recently-installed 439 backstrap (S&W NOS from MidwayUSA) pushes the hand higher into (and onto) the grip tang, affording a lower bore axis making for quick follow-up shots.
You'll also notice that I fitted a forged 3rd Gen trigger for better reach. I also broke down and ordered the $13 Stainless recoil sprng guide from MidwayUSA to replace the original Aluminium unit (in which the spring loaded crown spins freely).
I have a set of ANIB walnut grip panels coming in from ebay to replace the scratched original units. That, in conjunction with my SoCal gunsmith cutting a loaded chamber witness port in the barrel hood and my future front Tritium white outline vial (to be installed by ToolTech (in Michigan) will effectively 'modernize' a classic.
I liken this to the modernization of the Iowa Class batteships back in the 80s. Just enough of modernity without sacrificing the classic lines and being gaudy.
Hope this helps the 39-2 freaks out there...
